The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1887-07-31
and adopting the ways Of modern civiliza-
ton, Is destined TO figure largely In the fu-
turo politics OF the Western nations.
The immigration Question.

Tho introduction OF plank on the subject
in both the Democratic and Republican plat
forms OF Ohio IL an Indication OF the strength
and prevalence Of the sentiment which has
recently grown up In favor OF restricting
foreign immigration, and which Ia likely to
find varying expression from this time forth
In many other party platforms.
The Ohio Democrats are in favor OF "such
Legislation on the question Of immigration
as will prevent the landing for permanent
residence OF aliens who are not willing to de-
claro their intention OF becoming citizens Of
the United States" The Ohio Republicans
"vlew with alarm unrestricted emigration
from foreign lands rs dangerous to the peace
and good order OF the country and the In
tegrity and character Of Its citizenship"
They also urge Legislation to protect us
against all "who seek our shores not to be-
come part OF our civilization and citizenship,
who acknowledge no allegiance to our laws,
no SYMPATHY with our aims and institutions
but who come among uS to make war on
society, to diminish the dignity and rewards
of American workingmen, and degrade our
labor to their level"
But tits very doubtful whether such legisla-
ton would have the effect of checking immi-
grafton or improving It's average quality In
order that he might land, the immigrant
would be ready enough to make the requisite
declaration, and afterwurd he could do as he
pleased about taking the final step to secure
naturalization when his five years residence
was completed. AS It Is, very many foreign
ers who are entitled to naturalization stead
lily refuse to carry out their declared inten-
ton Of becoming citizens.
30 far as the interests Of labor are con-
cerhed, they suffer more especially from the
coming hither Of foreigners whose purpose
Is to be mere sojourners and to return to
their native lands whenever they have made
money enough, as is the case with the China
men and Of many Of the Italians. Bands OF
mechanics also come over for short stay at
times when they see the chance Of getting
more profitable employment here than
abroad, and are ready to cut under in wages
in order to accomplish their purpose.
Still, the Ohio declaration will serve its end
in inviting new discussion Of the immigra-
ton question in Congress. and the subject
is 80 full Of difficulty and completely that at
this time only very general expression
Of opinion is advisable in political plat
form. Even Mr.. PowDERLY sees this, and
does not venture to do more than make q
tentative suggestion that it might be wise
to require the immigrant to show his ability
to support himself.
But lately Labor Convention at Erie,
in Pennsylvania took the bull by the horns
and voted to send memorial to the
next Congress asking that immigrants be
taxed 80 much head. Such a tax would un-
doubtedly be an effectual check on immigra-
ton. especially If it was at all considerable;
but there are practical obstacles in the way
Of its imposition and the more they arc dis
cussed the more insurmountable they might
be made to appear.